The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared a nationwide programme of prayer and fasting ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to pray for peaceful, free, fair and credible polls.
The programme, themed “Let Justice and Peace Flow” (Amos 5:24), is aimed at addressing concerns over electoral violence, vote-buying, rigging and ethnic and religious divisions ahead of the elections.
In a statement dated October 19, 2026, the CBCN called on dioceses, parishes, Church societies, prayer groups, families and individuals to participate actively in the spiritual exercise.
The statement was jointly signed by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, and the Secretary of the CBCN and Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo.
It was released through the Directorate of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).
The bishops said the recurring challenges associated with elections in Nigeria required a collective commitment to justice, peace and the common good.
They expressed hope that sustained prayers and divine intervention would help the country achieve peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
According to the statement, the prayer initiative is also intended to seek God’s guidance for electoral officials and security personnel, encourage citizens to vote responsibly and peacefully, and inspire political aspirants to reject electoral malpractice and violence.
The Church further urged Nigerians to support the emergence of leaders who would govern with integrity, wisdom and the fear of God.
“May our united prayers and responsible civic participation help ensure elections that reflect the genuine will of the people and advance peace, unity and good governance in Nigeria,” the statement said.
Catholic Church Releases Prayer and Fasting Schedule
The CBCN outlined four major dates for nationwide prayer and fasting activities leading up to the 2027 general elections.
October 31, 2026: Nationwide Parish Prayer and Fasting
All Catholic parishes across Nigeria are expected to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
Activities will include fasting, the recitation of the Rosary, a procession where possible, Holy Mass and the CBCN prayer for the 2027 general elections.
The faithful may fast until noon, 6 p.m. or any suitable time in between, depending on their health and personal circumstances.
Those unable to fast are encouraged to participate through prayers and other acts of sacrifice. Diocesan bishops may also adapt the programme to suit local circumstances.
November 28, 2026: Second Nationwide Parish Prayer and Fasting
The Church will hold another nationwide parish day of prayer and fasting on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
The programme will follow the format prescribed for October 31, subject to adjustments by diocesan bishops where necessary.
December 8, 2026: Nationwide Diocesan Day of Prayer
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be marked with a nationwide diocesan day of prayer for peaceful and credible elections.
The celebration will bring together priests, members of religious institutes, the laity, Church associations and other Catholic organisations across the country.
According to the itinerary, the programme will begin with Holy Mass at 3 p.m. at a designated church, to be presided over by the diocesan bishop or his delegate.
During the Mass, the CBCN’s forthcoming pastoral letter, titled “2027 Elections: Call to Responsible Choice and Action,” will be read, while the official prayer for the elections will also be recited.
A Rosary procession will begin at 4:30 p.m. and proceed to the cathedral, where the celebration will conclude with Eucharistic Benediction.
The bishops may make alternative arrangements for communities unable to participate in the cathedral celebration.
The diocesan directorates of communications will coordinate live coverage of the activities in collaboration with the Directorate of Communications of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria to ensure nationwide visibility.
January 15, 2027: Prayer and Fasting Ahead of Elections
The final activity listed in the programme is scheduled for Friday, January 15, 2027, on the eve of the elections.
Catholic parishes nationwide are expected to observe another day of prayer and fasting, following the format prescribed for October 31, with adjustments where necessary.
Catholic Bishops Release Prayer for 2027 Elections
As part of the initiative, the CBCN has also provided a special prayer to be recited during Masses, other prayer gatherings, and personal and family prayers in preparation for the elections.
The prayer seeks divine guidance for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, security agencies and other officials responsible for overseeing the electoral process.
It also calls on political aspirants to campaign honestly, reject manipulation and violence, respect the choices of voters and place national unity above personal ambition.
The prayer urges Nigerians to reject tribalism, corruption, bribery and voter apathy while encouraging citizens to vote, protect their votes and uphold democratic values without violence.
The bishops expressed hope that the 2027 general elections would become a moment of hope rather than harm, with transparent processes, credible conduct and peaceful outcomes.
The prayer further asks God to raise leaders committed to justice, peace and the welfare of all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
The CBCN called on the faithful and other well-meaning Nigerians to embrace both prayer and responsible civic participation to promote national unity, democratic accountability and good governance.
The statement was issued on October 19, 2026.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
